Our Sanctuary
A family-run home for rescued elephants in Phang Nga Bay — no riding, no shows, no chains.
Our Story
Koh Yao Island Safari began as a small family project on Koh Yao Yai, born from a simple belief: elephants deserve to live as elephants, not as entertainment. What started with rescuing a handful of animals from logging camps and tourist riding operations has grown into a full sanctuary spread across open forest and shallow coastal water.
Every elephant here retired from hard labour or riding tourism. There are no chains, no hooks and no shows — guests are invited to observe and gently interact on the elephants’ own terms, in the shade of the forest they now call home.
Every visit directly funds daily food, veterinary care and the land the herd needs to live freely. Groups stay small on purpose, so each guest leaves with a real understanding of what ethical elephant tourism looks like.
Meet the Herd
Six rescued elephants live here, each with a name, a history and a personality. Guests meet all of them on every program.
“Spend your morning with all six — no riding, no shows, no chains.”
Life at the Sanctuary
A few moments from daily life on Koh Yao Yai.
